TTC adjusting bus and streetcar routes on Queen St. E. starting November 9 for track and sewer work
The TTC is changing service on Queen St. E. from November 9 for streetcar track renewal between Leslie St. and Vancouver Avenue. Eastbound buses on the 501B, 503, and 31 routes divert; work runs until at least mid-December.
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The TTC is changing service on Queen Street East starting November 9, 2026, for streetcar track renewal between Leslie Street and Vancouver Avenue, the TTC reported on November 4. CityNews Toronto also reported on the changes. Phase 1 runs until at least mid-December.
Preliminary rail welding work between Leslie Street and Laing Street began before the November 9 start. During Phase 1, Queen St. E. is reduced to one westbound lane between Vancouver Avenue and Leslie Street to allow crews to work on the tracks.
Which routes change and how
Three routes are affected in Phase 1, the TTC reported:
- Eastbound 501B/301B Queen and 503 Kingston Rd buses divert via Eastern Avenue between Emdaabiimok Avenue and Leslie Street.
- Westbound 501B/301B and 503 buses continue along Queen St. E. as usual.
- 31 Greenwood buses divert via Dundas Street East and Jones Avenue.
- 501/301 Queen streetcars continue on their existing diversion via Gerrard Street East between Broadview Avenue and Coxwell Avenue, a diversion already in place before this work started.
Wheel-Trans service remains accessible in all areas where local traffic is permitted.
Leslieville businesses remain open
The TTC and the Leslieville BIA said in the TTC's news release that local businesses remain open during the construction, and encouraged residents to keep supporting them. More information is at visitleslieville.ca.
Phase 2: sewer work in early 2027
The City of Toronto plans sewer rehabilitation work on Queen St. E. in Phase 2, from January to March 2027, the TTC reported. Details on service impacts during Phase 2 will come later.
What riders should do
Riders on the 501, 501B, 301B, 503, and 31 routes can check ttc.ca/service-advisories for updated maps and stop locations. The TTC also sends service alerts through its app and @TTCNotices on X. The Phase 1 changes begin November 9, 2026.
Questions this story answers
When do the TTC service changes on Queen St. E. start?
Phase 1 of the service changes starts November 9, 2026, and continues until at least mid-December 2026, the TTC reported on its news page on November 4. Preliminary rail welding work between Leslie St. and Laing St. began before the November 9 start of Phase 1.
What is causing the TTC service changes on Queen St. E.?
The TTC is renewing aging streetcar tracks between Leslie Street and Vancouver Avenue in Phase 1, the TTC and CityNews Toronto both reported. The City of Toronto will then carry out sewer rehabilitation work in Phase 2 from January to March 2027. The two phases are separate projects from different city agencies working in the same stretch of Queen St. E.
Which TTC routes are affected by the Queen St. E. work in November?
Three routes change in Phase 1. Eastbound 501B/301B Queen and 503 Kingston Rd buses divert via Eastern Avenue between Emdaabiimok Ave. and Leslie St. Westbound 501B/301B and 503 buses continue along Queen St. E. The 31 Greenwood buses divert via Dundas St. E. and Jones Ave. The 501/301 Queen streetcars continue on their existing Gerrard Street East diversion between Broadview Ave. and Coxwell Ave., the TTC reported.
Do westbound buses still run on Queen St. E. during the work?
Yes. The TTC reported that westbound 501B/301B Queen and 503 Kingston Rd buses continue to operate along Queen St. E. during Phase 1. Only eastbound buses on those routes divert via Eastern Avenue. Riders heading westbound on Queen St. E. can board buses at their regular stops.
Is Wheel-Trans service affected by the Queen St. E. work?
The TTC reported that Wheel-Trans service remains accessible in all areas where local traffic is permitted during the Queen St. E. work. Riders who use Wheel-Trans and have trips in the affected area should check ttc.ca/service-advisories for updates on their specific route.
What happens after the track renewal work in Phase 1?
The City of Toronto plans sewer rehabilitation work on Queen St. E. in Phase 2, from January 2027 to March 2027, the TTC reported on November 4. Details on service impacts during Phase 2 will be shared at a later date. Riders can expect further service adjustments in the Queen St. E. area in early 2027.
Are Leslieville businesses open during the construction?
Yes. The TTC and the Leslieville BIA said in the TTC's November 4 news release that businesses remain open during the construction, and both encouraged residents to continue supporting local businesses while the work is underway. More information is available at visitleslieville.ca.
Where can TTC riders find up-to-date information on the Queen St. E. service changes?
Riders can check ttc.ca/service-advisories for updated route details and stop locations on the affected routes: 501/501B/301B Queen, 503 Kingston Rd, and 31 Greenwood. The TTC also sends service alerts through its app and @TTCNotices on X. The changes begin November 9, 2026.
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